Greeks fired up for Greece vs Germany Euro 2012

Greeks are fired up with anticipation as the national team prepares to clash with Germany in Friday's quarter-finals at Gdhansk, Poland. International striker Georgios Samaras sent out a message saying "We play for 11 million Greeks."

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Having proved their worth by sweeping to victory in the 2004 World Cup Greece is once again ready to rise to the challenge. The political landscape between Greece and Germany is inextricably linked to the match as Greeks anticipate flooring the Germans who act as their political masters. With German Chancellor Angela Merkel due to attend the match, Greece has an added incentive to thrash their opponents.

To Vima reported Greek player Kyriakos Papadopoulos said they calculated the Germans would be fearing the Greek team, whilst Georgios Samaras said "We've seen all the matches of EURO. We know that Germany is struggling. We must focus on us, how we are better. This we did with Russia. "

Panathinaikos midfielder Costas Katsouranis, who is one of a trio of players in Friday's match who were in the winning 2004 Greek squad, said "The spirit of the team is the same. Everybody is ready to dedicate himself to the team. We have passion."

Forbes has published an intriguing article entitled "10 Likely Outcomes of the Germany vs. Greece Euro Cup Match"which is worth reading in full. Drawing parallels between the match and the current political situation they suggest such gems as "Unemployment on the Greek team reaches record highs. Only 6 players remain and the goalkeeper has moved back in with his parents"and "Italy, Ireland, Spain and Portugal’s teams boycott any future games with Germany."

It has not yet been announced if the newly sworn in Greek Prime Minister Anthonis Samaras will be joining Anglela Merkel at the game. This could depend on if Merkel approves his travel allowance.